Two points dropped at Lancing - but Selsey can take heart

Selsey came away with mixed feelings after dominating their only game of the festive period as it finished 2-2 at Lancing in division one of the Sussex League.

The hosts secured an undeserved draw with two minutes left to leave Selsey disappointed with only one point but pleased with their performance.

This was Selsey’s first game for three weeks and the lack of match fitness showed late on but they more than made up for it with their controlled passing and movement.

Manager Adam Hinshelwood has brought a turnaround in Selsey’s fortunes since his appointment six weeks ago and the side has seen an influx of quality young players. There is a willingness to learn from the manager.

Selsey took the game to Lancing and centre-halves Dan Hegarty and Connor Cody began most of their moves, bringing full-backs Jack MacFarlane and Jack Bingham into the game at every opportunity.

The midfield three of Matt Wood, Luke Killner and Jack Williamson found Ollie Haggar, Tom Broadbent and frontman Rob Wimble with regular ease.

Selsey should have taken the lead when Lancing keeper Joel Harding thwarted Wimble twice and Broadbent with wonderful saves. Wood was off target with a long-range effort.

Lancing looked dangerous only at set-pieces and it was from one of these that they thought they had taken the lead when Gainsford’s header flew passed Sam Joyce - only for the referee to blow for an infringement. Another fine save from Harding kept the scores level at half-time.

In the second half Selsey played against a strong breeze but kept the ball on the deck and had most of the play.

They took the lead when Wimble was fouled outside the box and Broadbent sent a wicked free-kick over the wall and in on 56 minutes.

Lancing levelled when Will Berry met Boswell’s corner to head home.

Selsey continued to cause Lancing problems. Broadbent got the visitors in front again in the 64th minute with another free-kick which outfoxed Harding.

With 15 minutes left, the heavens opened the home side started to throw everything at Selsey. Joyce pulled off two good saves to keep the visitors ahead but could do nothing with Lancing’s late equaliser in the 88th minute.

The ball took a deflection on its way towards goal and Adam Hunt claimed the goal.

Manager Hinshelwood was extremely pleased with the performance and said: “If we continue to play at that level we will have a strong second half of the season. It’s encouraging to see my players perform like that and I’m more than pleased to have taken four out of six points away to two sides in the top six.

It was a shame the lads could not hold on to the win as their superior play deserved a victory.”